The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves and the fresh clean air: the Japanese have known for years that spending mindful time in the woods is beneficial for body and soul. They even have a special word for it: Shinrin-Yoku.
What exactly is Shinrin-Yoku?
Shinrin-Yoku is a Japanese form of relaxation that was developed in the 1980’s. Shinrin means “forest” and Yoku means “bath” so Shinrin-Yoku literally means bathing in the forest atmosphere or taking in the forest through your senses.
Shinrin-Yoku isn’t a sport or form of exercise nor is it some sort of hiking or jogging: it is simply being in nature and connecting with it through our senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch). It bridges the gap between us and the natural world.
What’s in it for me?
Being calm and quiet amongst the trees and observing nature around you while you’re breathing deeply can help you de-stress AND boost your health and wellbeing at the same time in a 100% natural way:
A forest bath will help you to unplug from technology and slow down. It will bring you into the present moment and de-stress and relax you.
Numerous studies have shown that Shinrin-Yoku has real health benefits: it boosts your immune system, improves heart and lung health, lowers blood pressure, increases concentration and memory and it also does wonders if you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep. That makes Shinrin-Yoku a real preventive medicine. However, it’s not a treatment so it isn’t a replacement for medical advice or counselling if you’re seriously ill.
Certain trees like conifers emit oils and other compounds to protect themselves against microbes but these molecules (phytoncides) are also good for our immunity: breathing in their forest air boosts the level of natural killer cells in our blood. Which means that spending time with these trees offers you an extra advantage because the natural killer cells in our body fight infections, cancers and tumors.
How to start forest bathing
Forest bathing begins with finding a spot but there’s no need to take a map or GPS with you: just start walking slowly and aimlessly and let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. And don’t be hesitant to let nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet because that’s the real key to unlocking the power of forest bathing. For instance: listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling in the leaves of the trees and look at all the different greens of the trees and the sunlight filtering through the branches. Smell the fragrance of the forest and breathe in the natural aromatherapy. Taste the freshness of the air as you take deep breaths. Place your hands on a tree and run your hands over its bark, lie on the ground or dip your fingers or toes in a stream. And last but not least: release your sense of joy and calm and cross the bridge to peace and happiness.
A few extra tips
Turn of your phone and any other devices to give yourself the best chance of relaxing, being mindful and enjoying your sensory forest-based experience.
Take it slow: move slowly through the forest so you can see and feel more.
Take long breaths deep into your abdomen to let your body know that it can relax.
Stay as long as feels comfortable for you: a complete forest bathing experience usually lasts two hours but start with a comfortable time limit and try to gradually build up to two hours.
Not everyone has access to a forest but remember: nature is all around us. For instance, you could go to an urban park near you or do the exercises in your own backyard. You could even bring elements of nature indoors so you can do the exercises indoors.
Have you tried forest bathing?
©HolisticHappiness2023
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